Scammer distracts Hillsborough residents while another burglarizes house

HILLSBOROUGH — In a “distraction burglary,” a man claiming to be a Hillsborough Township official drew residents out of a house on Farm Road on Tuesday while someone else stole more than $1,000 from the house, according to police.

Police said that at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday they responded to the residence, where the owners reported that a white male arrived at the residence in a gray Dodge pickup truck bearing N.J. registration. The man was described as approximately 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, in his mid-30s with black hair. He was wearing a blue Dickey uniform, black boots and sunglasses, the victims said.

The man claimed to be a township official but displayed no identification. He told the residents that he wanted to check the property lines, and he had the victims show him around the outside of the house, according to police.

The man left shortly after, and when victims went into their house they found that someone had rummaged through their belongings and stolen more than $1,000, police said.

Hillsborough Police said they would like to remind residents to be on the alert for this type of scam over the summer, in which someone draws the victim outside while a second or third individual enters the home and removes valuables.

The police department also says to be on the alert for paving and gypsy scams, which usually involve the sealing of driveways with motor oil. This gives the appearance of a sealed driveway, including the odor. The scam is revealed after the first rain when the driveway seal washes away.

All Hillsborough Township employees carry identification and business cards, and drive in a marked township vehicle. Even with identification or if a person at your door looks suspicious, do not hesitate to contact the Hillsborough Police Department.